BRONCOS skipper Sam Thaiday has called for "the NRL family" to help safeguard the league's rising stars after the tragic death of Cowboys rookie Alex Elisala.

Devastated North Queensland players and officials were last night coming to terms with the death of the 20-year-old, who died on Monday after his life support system was switched off.

It is the third tragedy in six months to rock the NRL, after the sudden deaths of Wests Tigers prop Mosese Fotuaika, 20, and 21-year-old Manly rookie Jason Annear.

If anyone can understand the pain engulfing the Cowboys, it is Thaiday.

The Maroons enforcer was left reeling at the loss of his best mate Joe Clarke, the former Cowboys and Broncos player who died in June 2007.

Thaiday had Clarke's name tattooed on his index finger after the tragedy and says the NRL family must band together to help the code's emerging elite cope with fame and its associated pressures.

"Three deaths is way too many," Thaiday said.

"Just this year . . . it's too many lives lost, great talents and great blokes as well.

"It happened to myself with Joey (Clarke).

"Having lost a best mate, it was very tough.

"I know what the Cowboys guys are going through at the moment.

"It's a tough life we live, there are a lot of pressures and expectations put on us as rugby league players, not just by ourselves but the fans and our families as well.

"I think there needs to be more things within clubs to make sure players are getting the help and support they need."

The Cowboys will today try to switch some of their focus back to football but they admit it will be difficult after the sudden death of their "likeable rogue" clubmate.

With counsellors called in to help players deal with their grief, Cowboys coach Neil Henry said few at the club had thought much about Saturday's game at Parramatta.

Elisala's family made the agonising decision to turn off his life support on Monday afternoon.

"At the moment we are really in the early phase of our preparation and looking after our players and making sure everyone is OK," Henry said.

"The football has taken a back seat. Maybe we will get a bit of focus starting about our football tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon."

Forwards Dallas Johnson and Ashton Sims have been added to the Cowboys squad for the clash with Parramatta, but it is possible there will be late changes to the squad as players cope with Elisala's death in different ways.

Thaiday said the pressures on aspiring NRL players were compounded by rugby league's macho culture, where showing weakness, be it physical or mental, was often frowned on.

"It is drilled and drummed into us so much that you have to be so tough to play this sport," he said.

"But it takes a tougher man to go and ask for help."

If you or someone you know needs help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636

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